Portable camera controller platform for use with pipe inspection system

ABSTRACT

A camera controller platform for use with a pipe inspection system is disclosed. The platform is configured for the rapid mounting and connection of an electronic computing device such as a laptop computer for providing display and/or virtual control interface functions in conjunction with an electronics module. An additional user interface, which may include a manual user interface device, may be coupled to the electronics module. Alternatively, a plurality of virtual controls may be supported by a software application on the electronic computing device, which may be connected to the camera controller platform by a USB or other interface bus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This applications claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/430,932, entitled PORTABLECAMERA CONTROLLER PLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed onJan. 7, 2011, the content of which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to portable pipe inspection systemsand related accessories and apparatus. More specifically, but notexclusively, the disclosure relates to camera controller platform foruse with a pipe inspection system.

BACKGROUND

Pipes are often prone to obstructions through a variety of mechanical,structural, and/or environmental factors, such as for example, invasionby tree roots and/or other vegetation, build-up and corrosion, as wellas other blockages. Various devices and methods for visualizing theinterior of a pipe are known in the art. For example, current pipeinspection systems typically include a camera head coupled to the end ofa cable to inspect the interior of pipes, conduits, and other voids, andthe images collected are elucidated on a display device. However,current systems are bulky and difficult to transport to a remotelocation.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art to address the above-described,as well as other problems.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus, systems, andmethods for pipe inspection. More specifically, but not exclusively, thedisclosure relates to a portable camera controller platform andassociated pipe inspection system.

For example, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspectionsystem including a portable camera controller platform. The pipeinspection system may include, for example, a camera head coupled to theend of a push-cable, and a cable storage drum. The pipe inspectionsystem may further include, for example, a camera controller platform,which may include a base assembly or base structure configured formounting to a support element of the cable storage drum. The pipeinspection system may further include, for example, an electroniccomputing device, such as a computer or display device, which may bemounted to the platform base. The camera controller platform mayinclude, for example, a user interface device or element to provide dataexchange between the camera head and display device. The interface mayinclude, for example, a front panel configured with a control keypad,touchscreen, or other user interface element, such as a magnetic userinterface device.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a camera controllerplatform system. The camera controller platform system may include, forexample, a fastener for securing an electronic computing device, such asa laptop computer or other display device, onto the base platform. Thedevice may be secured using a capstan. The camera controller platformsystem may further include, for example, at least one rotatable and/orextendable platform extension wing. The camera controller platformsystem may further include, for example, a processing element includinga processor and a USB bus connected to the processor. The cameracontroller platform system may further include, for example, a systemcable plug or connector for connecting the platform to an interfacecircuit coupled to the cable storage drum and a camera head, using asystem connector cable. The camera controller platform system mayfurther include, for example, a control pad on a user interface forproviding control commands to the camera head. Programming may be storedat least partially in firmware in the platform, enabling the control padto interact with the pipe inspection system and laptop computer or otherelectronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable cameracontroller platform. The platform may include, for example, a baseassembly configured to mechanically couple the platform to a pipeinspection system including a cable reel drum assembly and a camerahead. The base assembly may be configured to be fully or partiallyintegrated with the cable reel drum assembly. The platform may furtherinclude a user interface panel disposed on or in the base assembly. Theplatform may further include an electronics module coupled to the userinterface panel. The electronics module may include one or moreprocessing elements configured to receive control input signals from theuser interface panel and provide control data the pipe inspectionsystem. The processing element(s) may be further configured to receiveone or more pipe inspection output signals from the pipe inspectionsystem and provide data corresponding to the pipe inspection outputsignals to an electronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspection system.The pipe inspection system may include, for example, a cable reel drumassembly, a push-cable coupled to the cable-reel drum assembly, a camerahead coupled to a distal end of the push-cable, and an interface circuitconfigured to electronically couple the camera head to a first end of asystem cable. The pipe inspection system may further include a cameracontroller platform. The platform may include a base assembly configuredto mechanically couple the platform to a pipe inspection systemincluding a cable reel drum assembly and a camera head, a user interfacepanel disposed on or in the base assembly, and an electronics modulecoupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module may includeone or more processing elements configured to receive control inputsignals from the user interface panel and provide control data the pipeinspection system, and receive one or more pipe inspection outputsignals from the pipe inspection system and provide data correspondingto the pipe inspection output signals to an electronic computing system.The system may further include a a system connector coupled to theelectronics module and to a second end of the system cable. The platformmay be incorporated at least in part into the cable reel drum assembly.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a camera controllerplatform. The platform may include, for example, a base assembly, a userinterface panel disposed on or in the base assembly, and an electronicsmodule coupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module mayinclude one or more processing elements. The processing elements may beconfigured to receive control input signals from the user interfacepanel and provide control data to a pipe inspection system, and receiveone or more pipe inspection output signals from the pipe inspectionsystem and provide data corresponding to the pipe inspection outputsignals to an electronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspection system.The pipe inspection system may include, for example, a cable reel drumassembly, a push-cable coupled to the cable-reel drum assembly, a camerahead coupled to a distal end of the push-cable, and an interface circuitconfigured to electronically couple the camera head to a first end of asystem cable. The pipe inspection system may further include a cameracontroller platform. The platform may include a base assembly, a userinterface panel disposed on or in the base assembly, an electronicsmodule coupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module mayinclude one or more processing elements configured to receive controlinput signals from the user interface panel and provide control data thepipe inspection system, and receive one or more pipe inspection outputsignals from the pipe inspection system and provide data correspondingto the pipe inspection output signals to an electronic computing system.The pipe inspection system may further include a system connectorcoupled to the electronics module and to a second end of the systemcable.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to methods and processing forimplementing the camera system functionality as described above, inwhole or in part.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to means for implementing theabove-described methods and/or system or device functions, in whole orin part.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to computer-readable mediaincluding instructions for causing a computer or processing element toimplement the camera system functionality described above, in whole orin part.

Various additional aspects, features, and functionality are furtherdescribed below in conjunction with the appended Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be more fully appreciated in connection withthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable cameracontroller platform;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating details of the platformembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the platform embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates details of the platform embodiment of FIG. 1, takenfrom the underside thereof;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged exploded views of an embodiment of a capstanassembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates details of an embodiment of a pipe inspection system;

FIG. 8 illustrates details of an embodiment of a pipe inspection systemin use;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are block diagrams illustrating details of an embodimentof a portable camera controller platform;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a data table illustrating data links of the pipeinspection system;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate details of video data link signalprocessing of the portable camera controller platform;

FIG. 12 illustrates details of an embodiment of a mini camera controllerplatform module;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the platform embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates details of the platform embodiment of FIG. 12, takenfrom the underside thereof;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the platform embodiment of FIG.12;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable cameracontroller platform of FIG. 12, configured with a display device;

FIG. 17 illustrates additional details of an embodiment of a cameracontroller platform; and

FIG. 18 illustrates additional details of the camera controller platformembodiment of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Terminology

The term “electronic computing device” as used herein refers to anelectronic device or system including data input, processing, anddisplay functionality and optionally other functionality such asreceiving user input and control actions, providing data storage,communications interfaces to external devices or systems, as well asproviding other computer-related functions. Examples of electroniccomputing devices include, but are not limited to, personal computerdevices such as laptop or notebook computers, tablet devices, such asAndroid or Ipad devices, smart phones, and similar devices. In someembodiments, electronic computing devices may also include other devicessuch as monitoring and control system devices, instrumentation devices,or other similar or equivalent computer or processor-based systems ordevices that include processing and display functionality.

The term “processing element” as used herein refers to an electroniccircuit for performing signal and data processing and related functions.A processing element may be implemented or processing functionsperformed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, special purpose processing and/or statemachine or other programmable device. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. A processing element may furthering include or be coupledto one or more memory elements, for storing instructions, data, and/orother information in a digital storage format, as well as interface andsignal conditioning element, Input/Output (I/O) elements and the like.

The term “interface bus” as used herein refers to a communicationsinterface circuit and related components for digitally interfacingdifferent electronic devices. Examples of interface buses include, butare not limited to, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, Firewireinterfaces, other serial or parallel interfaces, as well as othercomputer or digital data interfaces known or developed in the art.

The term “electronics module” as used herein relates to a moduleincluding electronic components for providing the control and signalprocessing and related functions as described herein in conjunction witha pipe inspection system cable drum assembly and/or video camera head.An electronics module may include analog circuits, digital circuits,mechanical and electronic hardware, firmware stored in a programmablememory or device, and/or software components stored on a non-transitorymedium, which may be mounted or disposed on or in one or more printedcircuit boards or other circuit elements and related mechanicalassemblies. An electronics module may use one or more processingelements to perform signal processing and related functions, and mayfurther include analog signal conditioning circuits, as well as analogor digital circuits to receive and send data or information within acamera controller platform and/or externally to or from the cameracontroller platform. Additional components, such as keypads, displays,switches, sensors, memory devices, input/output devices, wired, radio,and/or optical interface modules, sensors, position determinationmodules, such as GPS or other location-identification modules, inertiallocation devices, or other elements such as are described herein may beincluded in or coupled to electronics modules in variousimplementations.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any aspect and/or embodiment describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects and/or embodiments.

Overview

This disclosure relates generally to portable pipe inspection systemsand related accessories and apparatus. More specifically, but notexclusively, the disclosure relates to portable camera controllerplatforms for use with a pipe inspection system.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a cameracontroller platform may include elements configured for the rapidmounting and connection of a display device, such as an electroniccomputing device such as a laptop or notebook computer, as well as forenabling such a display device to be conveniently used as apipe-inspection system monitor and a virtual control interface. Thecamera controller platform may additionally include an input device,such as a control keyboard or other input device, and may optionallyinclude a built-in manual user interface device, such as, for example, amouse joystick, or magnetic user interface device. Alternatively, aplurality of virtual controls may be supported by a software applicationinstalled on, or accessed by, the laptop, which may be connected to thecamera controller platform by an interface bus such as a USB bus orother interface bus configuration.

For example, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspectionsystem including a portable camera controller platform. The pipeinspection system may include, for example, a camera head coupled to theend of a push-cable, and a cable storage drum. The pipe inspectionsystem may further include, for example, a camera controller platform,which may include a base assembly or base structure configured formounting to a support element of the cable storage drum. The pipeinspection system may further include, for example, an electroniccomputing device, such as a computer or display device, which may bemounted to the platform base. The camera controller platform mayinclude, for example, a user interface device or element to provide dataexchange between the camera head and display device. The interface mayinclude, for example, a front panel configured with a control keypad,touchscreen, or other user interface element, such as a magnetic userinterface device.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a camera controllerplatform system. The camera controller platform system may include, forexample, a fastener for securing an electronic computing device, such asa laptop computer or other display device, onto the base platform. Thedevice may be secured using a capstan. The camera controller platformsystem may further include, for example, at least one rotatable and/orextendable platform extension wing. The camera controller platformsystem may further include, for example, a processing element includinga processor and a USB bus connected to the processor. The cameracontroller platform system may further include, for example, a systemcable plug or connector for connecting the platform to an interfacecircuit coupled to the cable storage drum and a camera head, using asystem connector cable. The camera controller platform system mayfurther include, for example, a control pad on a user interface forproviding control commands to the camera head. Programming may be storedat least partially in firmware in the platform, enabling the control padto interact with the pipe inspection system and laptop computer or otherelectronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a man-portable controlplatform which allows a laptop computer to be removably mounted andelectrically connected to a pipe inspection system. The cameracontroller platform may include folding and/or retractable platformwings to provide flexibility and increased surface area by being movedor withdrawn or retracted during use. A capstan assembly may be used tosecure the laptop computer to the camera controller platform, which maybe readily and removably attached to a cable storage drum or other pipeinspection device or system. The platform may include an input device,such as a control keyboard and/or an optional built-in mouse or othermanual user interface device, allowing it to be used as a directcontroller of the camera head. One or more virtual controls may beimplemented in conjunction with a software application installed on, oraccessed by, the laptop computer, which may be connected to thecontroller by a USB bus or other interface configuration, therebyallowing for flexible configuration of the pipe inspection system. Inone aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable camera controllerplatform. The platform may include, for example, a base assemblyconfigured to mechanically couple the platform to a pipe inspectionsystem including a cable reel drum assembly and a camera head. The baseassembly may be configured to be fully or partially integrated with thecable reel drum assembly. The platform may further include a userinterface panel disposed on or in the base assembly. The platform mayfurther include an electronics module coupled to the user interfacepanel. The electronics module may include one or more processingelements configured to receive control input signals from the userinterface panel and provide control data the pipe inspection system. Theprocessing element(s) may be further configured to receive one or morepipe inspection output signals from the pipe inspection system andprovide data corresponding to the pipe inspection output signals to anelectronic computing system.

The platform may further include, for example, one or more wings coupledto the base assembly. The one or more of the wings may be folding wings.The one or more wings may be retractable into the base assembly. Theplatform may further including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub coupledto the electronics module. The platform may further include a systemconnector coupled to the electronics module for receiving signals from asystem cable connected to the pipe inspection system. The platform mayfurther include a wireless communication module coupled to theelectronics module for receiving wirelessly communicated signals fromthe pipe inspection system and/or for sending wireless communicationsignals to the pipe inspection system, such as to an interface module.The platform may further include a hub or router configured towirelessly provide information to or from the pipe inspection system.The hub or router may be further configured to provide wired informationto or from the pipe inspection system. The information provided from thehub or router may include images or video signals. The information mayalso include audio or video signals or data. The information may alsoinclude location, position, or orientation data or information. Theinformation may also include control or feedback data or information.The information may also include sensor or actuator data or information.

The platform may further include, for example, a capstan assembly and atensioning element configured to secure an electronic computing deviceto the platform. The capstan assembly may be further configured to limitthe torque applied to the electronic computing device when secured tothe platform. The capstan assembly may include tooth and spring elementsto limit the applied torque.

The pipe inspection output signals may, for example, be video signals.The video signals may be converted to digital signals in accordance withan interface bus standard. The video signals may be compressed. Theinterface bus may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

The platform may further include, for example, a microphone. Theelectronics module may be further configured to receive an audio signalfrom the microphone and associate the audio signal with the digitalsignals, such as with video or images. The output signals from the pipeinspection system may be video signals, and the video signals may becompressed before being provided to the electronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspection system.The pipe inspection system may include, for example, a cable reel drumassembly, a push-cable coupled to the cable-reel drum assembly, a camerahead coupled to a distal end of the push-cable, and an interface circuitconfigured to electronically couple the camera head to a first end of asystem cable. The pipe inspection system may further include a cameracontroller platform. The platform may include a base assembly configuredto mechanically couple the platform to a pipe inspection systemincluding a cable reel drum assembly and a camera head, a user interfacepanel disposed on or in the base assembly, and an electronics modulecoupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module may includeone or more processing elements configured to receive control inputsignals from the user interface panel and provide control data the pipeinspection system, and receive one or more pipe inspection outputsignals from the pipe inspection system and provide data correspondingto the pipe inspection output signals to an electronic computing system.The system may further include a a system connector coupled to theelectronics module and to a second end of the system cable. The platformmay be incorporated at least in part into the cable reel drum assembly.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a camera controllerplatform. The platform may include, for example, a base assembly, a userinterface panel disposed on or in the base assembly, and an electronicsmodule coupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module mayinclude one or more processing elements. The processing elements may beconfigured to receive control input signals from the user interfacepanel and provide control data to a pipe inspection system, and receiveone or more pipe inspection output signals from the pipe inspectionsystem and provide data corresponding to the pipe inspection outputsignals to an electronic computing system.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a pipe inspection system.The pipe inspection system may include, for example, a cable reel drumassembly, a push-cable coupled to the cable-reel drum assembly, a camerahead coupled to a distal end of the push-cable, and an interface circuitconfigured to electronically couple the camera head to a first end of asystem cable. The pipe inspection system may further include a cameracontroller platform. The platform may include a base assembly, a userinterface panel disposed on or in the base assembly, an electronicsmodule coupled to the user interface panel. The electronics module mayinclude one or more processing elements configured to receive controlinput signals from the user interface panel and provide control data thepipe inspection system, and receive one or more pipe inspection outputsignals from the pipe inspection system and provide data correspondingto the pipe inspection output signals to an electronic computing system.The pipe inspection system may further include a system connectorcoupled to the electronics module and to a second end of the systemcable.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to methods and processing forimplementing the camera system functionality as described above, inwhole or in part.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to means for implementing theabove-described methods and/or system or device functions, in whole orin part.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to computer-readable mediaincluding instructions for causing a computer or processing element toimplement the camera system functionality described above, in whole orin part.

Various additional aspects, features, and functionality are furtherdescribed below in conjunction with the appended Drawings.

Various aspects and details of pipe inspection system devices,configurations, and methods which may be used in embodiments of thepresent invention in conjunction with the disclosure herein aredescribed in co-assigned patent applications, including, for example,U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/559,107, entitled PORTABLE PIPEINSPECTION SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS, filed Nov. 13, 2011, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/214,208, entitled ASYMMETRIC DRAG FORCE BEARINGSFOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLE STORAGE DRUMS, filed Aug. 21, 2011, U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/430,932, entitled PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLERPLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed on Jan. 7, 2011,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/704,808, entitled PIPE INSPECTIONSYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE CABLE STORAGE DRUM, filed Feb. 12, 2010, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/399,859, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMWITH REPLACEABLE CABLE STORAGE DRUM, filed Mar. 6, 2009, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/371,540, entitled PUSH-CABLE FOR PIPE INSPECTIONSYSTEM, filed Feb. 13, 2009, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/152,662, entitled HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filedFeb. 13, 2009, and U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No.09/348,517, entitled VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM,filed Jul. 7, 1999. The content of each of these applications is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Theseapplications may be denoted collectively herein as the “Pipe InspectionSystem Applications.”

Various aspects of manual user interface device apparatus, devices,configurations, and methods that may be used in conjunction with theplatform embodiments of the disclosure herein are described in U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/310,670, filed Dec. 2, 2011,entitled MAGNETICALLY SENSED USER INTERFACE APPARATUS AND DEVICES, U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/292,038, filed Nov. 8, 2011,entitled SLIM PROFILE MAGNETIC USER INTERFACE DEVICES, U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 13/272,172, filed Oct. 12, 2011, entitledMAGNETIC THUMBSTICK USER INTERFACE DEVICES, U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 13/214,209, filed Aug. 21, 2011, entitled MAGNETICSENSING USER INTERFACE DEVICE METHODS AND APPARATUS, and U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 13/110,910, filed May 18, 2011, entitledUSER INTERFACE DEVICES, APPARATUS, & METHODS. The content of each ofthese applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety for all purposes. These applications may be denotedcollectively herein as the “User Interface Device Applications.”

The following exemplary embodiments are provided for the purpose ofillustrating examples of various aspects, details, and functions ofapparatus, methods, and systems for inspecting the interior if pipes,conduits, and other voids; however, the described embodiments are notintended to be in any way limiting. It will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that various aspects may be implemented inother embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a camera controller platform embodiment 100 inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Cameracontroller platform 100 may include a base assembly for providingmechanical coupling to additional pipe inspection system elements suchas a cable reel assembly and camera head, electronic computing devicesuch as a notebook or laptop computer, and/or other elements such as aredescribed herein. In addition, platform 100 may include a user interfacepanel or element for receiving inputs from a user related to inspectionoperations such as cable reel deployment, camera orientation andcontrol, pipe obstruction removal, display control, data or informationstorage, retrieval, or transmission, or other related functions.

In addition, platform 100 may include one or more electronics modulesfor receiving inputs from users or other components such as the camerahead, microphones, sensors, or other input elements, providing inputsignal processing, interfacing between components, providing control,data and information storage, and/or other electronic, processing,storage, or data and information transmission functions such as aredescribed herein. For example, images and video data or information,such as compressed digital video or other data or information, may bestored in the electronics module and/or in the electronic computingdevice or other device or system. Other information or data, such ascontrol data or information, audio data or information, sensor data orinformation, environmental data or information, location data orinformation (e.g., position coordinates, such as may be obtained frominertial sensors, GPS modules, etc. that may be included in the cameracontrol platform or other component of the pipe inspection system), orother data or information. The electronics modules may include one ormore processing elements as well as associated components such as analogor digital circuit, input/output circuits, power supply circuits, videoand audio circuits, sensor circuits, GPS or other location determinationdevices, inertial navigation devices, as well as other electroniccircuits such as those described subsequently herein. Camera controllerplatform 100 may be configured to be coupled to pipe inspectionapparatus and systems such as are described in the Pipe InspectionSystem Applications, incorporated by reference herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, a base assembly of platform 100 may includea front panel 102, a rear panel 106, a front platform 108, and a rearplatform 110 such as shown in FIG. 1. A user interface panel may bemounted or coupled to one of the panels, such as to front panel 102 asshown. An exemplary user interface panel may include a keypad elementsuch as keypad 104. Alternately, or in addition, the user interfacepanel may include mechanical or electronic key assemblies, joysticks oruser interface devices which may be, for example, manual user interfacedevices as described in the User Interface Device Applications, and/orother input elements such as LCD touch screen panels and the like. Insome embodiments other devices, such as a smart phone, tablet device, orother input device may be used as a user interface device. In addition,in some embodiments, an electronic computing device such as a notebookor laptop computer as described herein may also be used to provide userinterface panel functionality in place of, or in addition to, keypad 104or similar components.

The base assembly may further include one or more folding, bendable,and/or deployable/retractable wing elements. For example, in anexemplary embodiment, the base assembly of platform 100 may include afront folding wing 112 and a rear folding wing 114. In FIG. 1, the rearfolding wing 114 is shown partially rotated toward an open position. Thebase assembly may further include additional mechanical and/or mountingcomponents such as side panels 118 and 120 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.3.

A plurality of fasteners, such as screws 116, may be used to mount thefront platform 108 and the rear platform 110, to right side panel 118and left side panel 120 to form a shape suitable for mounting above oron a corresponding pipe inspection system. A strap anchor 122, which maybe made of formed plastic or other materials may be disposed on thebottom edge of the right side panel 118 toward the forward end. A frontright rubber foot 124 and a rear right rubber foot 126 may be disposedon the surface of the right side panel 118 with screws (not shown). Aninterface bus cable, such as USB cable 127, may be used to provide anelectrical signal connection between the camera controller platform 100and an electronic computing device, such as a laptop computer 202 (asshown in FIG. 7).

The camera controller platform 100 may include friction elements such asa front anti-slip mat 128 disposed on the surface of the front platform108, a rear anti-slip mat 130 disposed on the surface of the rearplatform 110, and/or an array of anti-slip squares 131 disposed on thesurface of a surface of the front folding wing 112 and the rear foldingwing 114.

Turning to FIG. 2, a left side perspective view illustrates additionaldetails of the camera controller platform embodiment 100. The left sidepanel 120 may support a front cord wrap 132 and a rear cord wrap 133 forproviding storage for the USB cable 127 which may be stored as shown in,for example, FIG. 7. A capstan may include a capstan knob or handle 134disposed on the left side panel 120 of camera controller platform 100,which may be coupled to a capstan assembly 180, such as shown in FIG. 7and FIG. 8, to provide a tensioning mechanism for a rubber elasticO-ring band 204 (as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) when securing a laptopcomputer 202 or other electronic computing device to the cameracontroller platform 100. The USB cable 127 is partially visible behindthe left side panel 120, connected to a USB port 135 (not shown in FIG.2).

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating additional details of the cameracontroller platform 100 embodiment. The rear folding wing 114 mayinclude a left rear molded hinge cylinder 136 and a right rear moldedhinge cylinder 140, which may extend from the ends of a left rear arm138 and a right rear arm 142, respectively. In assembly, the left rearmolded hinge cylinder 136 and the right rear molded hinge cylinder 140may each be seated into a left rear lower receptacle 144 and a rightrear lower receptacle 148, respectively, which may be formed in a rearcase bottom 146 of the base assembly.

A rear case top 150 may be formed with two outer surfaces, and may bepositioned at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to one another, whichmay constitute the outer surface of the rear platform 110 and of therear panel 106 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). A left rear upperreceptacle 152 and a right rear upper receptacle 154 may each bedisposed on the platform, such as on the inner surface of the rear casetop 150 as shown. In assembly, left rear upper receptacle 152 and rightrear upper receptacle 154 each mates with left rear lower receptacle 144and right rear lower receptacle 148, respectively, which movablycontains left rear molded hinge cylinder 136 and right rear molded hingecylinder 140 to provide a flexible hinge.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the front folding wing 112 may include a leftfront molded hinge cylinder 156 extending from the end of a left frontarm 158 and a right front molded hinge cylinder 160 extending from theend of a right front arm 162. In assembly, left front molded hingecylinder 156 may be seated into a left front lower receptacle 164disposed on a front case bottom 166. Likewise, right front molded hingecylinder 160 may be seated into a right front lower receptacle 168disposed on the front case bottom 166.

A front case top 170 may be formed with two outer surfaces, and maysimilarly be configured at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to oneanother, which may provide an outer surface of the front platform 108and of the front panel 102. The inner surface of the front case top 170may include a left front upper receptacle 172 which mates, whenassembled, with the left front lower receptacle 164, and movablycontains the left front molded hinge cylinder 156 forming a left hinge.The inner surface of the front case top 170 may additionally include aright front upper receptacle 174 which mates, when assembled, with theright front lower receptacle 168 and movably contains the right frontmolded hinge cylinder 160, thus forming a right hinge.

Turning to FIG. 4, a lower right perspective view illustrates additionaldetails of the camera controller platform embodiment 100. The frontfolding wing 112 and the rear folding wing 114 are shown in a closedposition. When rotated to an open position, the front folding wing 112extends the working surface of the front platform 108. When rotated tothe open position, the rear folding wing 114 extends the working surfaceof the rear platform 110. Although wings 112 and 114 are shown inexample embodiment 100 as folding wings, in other embodiments they maybe configured to be retractable into the base assembly and/or may beboth foldable and retractable.

The front platform 108 and the rear platform 110 may be coupled to theright side panel 118 and on the left side panel 120 such as shown inFIG. 4. The USB cable 127 may be electrically connected to the cameracontroller platform via the USB port 135, which may be further coupledto an electronics module (not shown). USB cable 127 may be equipped witha plurality of rubber cord clips 176, which may be used for storing USBcable 127, and a protective dust cap 178. The strap anchor 122 may bedisposed on the front lower edge of the right side panel 118, and may beused for securing an electronic computing device such as laptop computer202 (as shown in FIG. 7) into position. A system connection plug 179that is partially obscured in FIG. 4, which may connect to a systemcable 226, may be used to connect the camera controller platform 100with a pipe inspection system element, such as a cable storage drumassembly 200 (as shown in FIG. 7) and/or with other related components,such as sondes, pipe clearance components, and the like. The systemconnection plug or connector may also be coupled to the electronicsmodule for interfacing data and information signals to or from the pipeinspection system, such as video or image signals and data, controlsignals, cable deployment data, etc., with the electronics module, inputdevice, and/or electronic computing device.

A camera controller platform such as platform embodiment 100 may includea capstan or ratcheting assembly to mechanically couple the electroniccomputing device to the platform. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and6, an enlarged exploded view illustrates details of an embodiment of acapstan assembly 180, which may be coupled to capstan knob 134 as shownin FIG. 2. In one aspect, an adjustable ratchet or capstan assembly 180may be used to tighten a flexible tensioning element, such as a rubberelastic O-ring band 204 (as shown in FIG. 7), to secure a laptopcomputer 202 or other electronic computing device to camera controllerplatform 100.

A toothed bottom plate 181 with a molded central conical frustum 182 maybe seated in a central opening in a molded ratchet base 184, the innersurface of which may have a toothed pattern which complements the toothpattern in the toothed bottom plate 181. A ratchet grip 186 may becoupled to the molded ratchet base 184 with a plurality of screws 188. Apressure spring 190 may be retained in the central opening of theratchet grip 186 with a bolt 192 and a washer 194. The pressure spring190 exerts pressure against the molded ratchet base 184, causing theformed teeth on its lower surface to marry with the grooves between theteeth of the toothed bottom plate 181. Rotating the ratchet grip 186causes the formed teeth on the lower surface of the molded ratchet base184 to ride up over the teeth of the toothed bottom plate 181, againstthe force imposed by the pressure spring 190, and thereafter to marry inthe next available groove between the teeth of the toothed bottom plate181. A plurality of oval openings 196 may be disposed on inner surfaceof the ratchet grip 186, around its central opening. In use, a rubberelastic O-ring band 204 (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) may be stretchedlengthwise and anchored to the ratchet mechanism by being led throughthe oval openings 196 and then through its own loop, thus securing it tothe ratchet grip 186. The ratchet grip 186 is sealed with a plastic plug198. The capstan knob 134, as shown in FIGS. 2 as 3, may include theratchet grip 186 and the plastic plug 198, which cover and retain theother elements of the capstan assembly 180.

The combination of the tooth design and the spring load in the capstanmay be configured to limit the torque that the capstan assembly canreact to, concomitantly limiting the achievable tension in the O-ringcord (as when stretched across the laptop) to avoid damage to the laptopor other electronic computing device. By appropriate selection of theseparameters, the designer can reduce the potential for a user toover-tighten the O-ring cord and damage the laptop secured thereby. Insome embodiments, a tensioning mechanism (not shown) may be included toallow a user to select the tension to be applied by the capstan orratcheting assembly.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate details of an embodiment 700 of a platformcoupled pipe inspection system, which may include elements such as acable storage drum 200 of a pipe inspection system, a camera controllerplatform, such as platform embodiment 100, an electronic computingdevice, such as laptop 202, and an interface bus cable, such as USBcable 127, as well as LED status indicators 727. Various elements of thesystem 700 may be constructed in accordance with details of pipeinspection system and system and apparatus embodiments described in thePipe Inspection System Applications.

In one aspect, the camera controller platform 100 may be configured tobe mounted to a frame 750 of the pipe inspection system, which supportscable storage drum 200. The mounting may be configured to allow theplatform to be readily attached and detached, such as through use ofpins, bolts, knobs with wing nuts, and the like. The mounting may alsobe configured to allow the platform to rotate relative to the pipeinspection system to allow a user to adjust the platform and notebookorientation.

FIG. 8 illustrates details 800 of the inspection system embodiment ofFIG. 7 in use. The cable storage drum 200 may be used to carry multiplecoils of a resilient flexible push-cable 212 (shown partially deployed)whose distal end may be operatively connected to a camera head 208. Inoperation, a user will pay out the push-cable. For example, by rotatingthe drum push-cable 212 may be deployed and the attached camera head 208is then forced down a pipe 210. Excess USB cable 127 may be stowed onthe front cord wrap 132 and the rear cord wrap 133 as shown.

The rubber elastic O-ring band 204 may be internally anchored to theratchet grip 186 (as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6), and may be led overthe laptop computer 202 and secured to the strap anchor 122 (as shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 4). By gripping and rotating the capstan knob 134, theoperator may increase or decrease the tension on the rubber elasticO-ring band 204 as the rubber elastic O-ring band 204 is wrapped aroundthe base of the capstan assembly 180 (FIGS. 5 and 6) or released therefrom. In use, a system cable (not shown) of the pipe inspection systemmay be connected to the camera controller platform 100 through a systemconnection plug 179 (as shown in FIG. 4), thereby allowing control ofthe camera head 208 from the laptop computer 202 or other electroniccomputing device and/or from the keypad 104 or other input device asneeded.

A display screen 206 of the laptop computer 202 or other electroniccomputing device displays images or video as sensed by the camera head208, thereby providing a view of the interior of the pipe 210 as seen atthe distal end of the push cable 212. Control circuitry in theelectronics module of camera controller platform 100 may be used forcommunicating with the laptop computer 202 and with the camera head 208.Images from the camera head 208 may be captured as individual photos oras video clips, and may be combined and recorded with audio commentary.This may be done by using a software application on the laptop computer202 or other electronic computing device. The images and video clips maybe stored on the laptop computer 202, in the electronics module, and/oron a removable storage device, such as, for example, a USB thumb driveor other memory or data storage device. Images and/or clips may also beformatted into reports to be electronically mailed, printed, deliveredby thumb-drive or DVD, or played back for a customer's education fromthe laptop computer 202.

Turning to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a block diagram illustrates details 900 ofelectronic signaling elements in a pipe inspection system such as thesystem illustrated in FIG. 7. A platform system block embodiment 910,which may be implemented in whole or part in an electronics module asdescribed herein, illustrates example detail of circuitry and signalprocessing in a camera controller platform, such as the cameracontroller platform 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7. For example, cameracontroller platform embodiment 100 may be electrically coupled tointerface bus ports, such as one or more USB ports, such as for example,a pair of computer USB ports A 214, and one of a computer USB port B 216of a USB hub 218 connected with a USB port 135 (as shown in FIG. 4) ofthe camera controller platform 100, and a USB bus 220.

In use, the USB cable 127 may be connected to the computer USB port B216 and to the laptop computer 202. Two external USB plugs may allowexternal USB devices, such as memory thumb-drives or other USB devices,to be connected to each of the computer USB ports A 214. A processingelement of the electronics module, which may include, in an exemplaryembodiment, a central ARM processor 222, may be configured to controldata transmission to, and data receipt from, the USB bus 220 (or otherinterface bus). The ARM processor 222 may receive communications from anoptional ISM-band wireless link 224 or other wireless communicationsmodule, such as a WI-FI, Cellular Data, WI-Max, Bluetooth, cellular, orother wireless communications module.

The ARM processor may additionally be configured to receive data linktransmissions from a pipe inspection system via an associated systemcable 226, which may be connected, in use, to the platform's systemconnection plug 179 (as shown in FIG. 4). Various aspects and details ofsystem cables and connectors, as well as connections to a cable storagedrum or related systems to transfer video information and data aredescribed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/704,808,filed Feb. 12, 2010, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLECABLE STORAGE DRUM, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/061,887 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,958,767), filed Jan. 31, 2002, entitled VIDEO PIPEINSPECTION SYSTEM EMPLOYING NON-ROTATING CABLE STORAGE DRUM, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The ARM processor 222 may exchange control data and information, as wellas other signals, data or information, with the camera controllerplatform input device, such as keypad 104, in addition to the electroniccomputing device, such as laptop 202. The ARM processor may additionallycontrol the display of a plurality of LED status indicators 227 toprovide visual displays of various operating conditions, such as, forexample, remaining battery power, power status (e.g., on/off),connection and/or status of attached components such as sondes,microphone(s), sensors, or other input or output devices, and the like.

Still referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, video and other data from thepipe-inspection system may be provided to the ARM processor 222 by meansof a video data link 228, and video may also be passed through a videodata link notch filter 229 and a video automatic gain control 230, andbe sent to an AV out port 232. Video may alternatively be processed by avideo and audio USB decoder 234 such as, for example, the ConexantSystems CX23100, and transmitted by way of USB bus 220 to the laptopcomputer 202 or other electronic computing device for display.

The camera controller platform may be configured to receive and recordaudio commentary provided from a user during a pipe-inspection, such asthrough use of an integral or external microphone or other audio sensordevice. Audio, sensed by an onboard or external microphone may beprocessed through an audio automatic gain control block 236, and maysimilarly be passed directly to the AV out port 232, or passed throughthe video and audio USB decoder 234 and back to the laptop computer 202or other electronic computing device for playback, storage, and/ortransmission to other devices or system, such as via a wired or wirelessconnection.

Data exchanged between the laptop computer 202 and the camera controllerplatform and any peripheral devices may optionally be encrypted forenhanced security using software and/or hardware encryption devices (notshown) in the electronics module or electronic computing device.

Electrical power for the camera controller platform may be provided byan external 15 VDC power supply 237, which may provide, for example, 15Vof direct current through a DC jack 238 on the platform. Alternately, orin addition, power may be provided by a removable battery, such as an18V lithium-ion battery or other battery module that may be mounted to abattery connector 242. A power supply module, such as a buck converterswitching power supply 243, may be used to supply camera voltage andprovides 8.5 to 12 volts at approximately 1 amp to power thepipe-inspection system's camera head 208 via a cable and connector, suchas system cable 226 and cable connector 179. A separate buck converterswitching power supply 244 may be used to modify the supplied power toprovide voltages of 0.85V, 1V, 3.3V, and 5V to the pipe-inspectionsystem for other powering functions. Examples of battery pack apparatusand systems as may be used in embodiments of a platform such as platform100 are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/501,172, filed Jun. 24, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/521,262, filed Aug. 8, 2011. The content of each of theseapplications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a data table 1000 illustrates anembodiment of data links for use in communicating data and informationin a pipe inspection system, such as system 700 as illustrated in FIG.7. In one aspect, a tailored data structure may be used to providemessages between a pipe-inspection system, such as pipe inspectionsystem 700 used with a camera controller platform, such as cameracontroller platform embodiment 100, an electronics module of the cameralcontroller platform, and an electronic computing device, such as laptopcomputer 202. Data connection elements and configurations, such as shownin FIGS. 9A and 9B, may be used to send and receive the signaled data.In an exemplary embodiment, the tailored data link may use the followingmessaging format:

Data Link Communication Format Start Bit (66% Duty ON) Address Byte3-Bits --> “From” Node 3-Bits --> “To” Node 2-Bits --> Message Type DataBytes 1-15 Stop Bit (33% Duty ON) Message Types Type Value Autonomous 0Response 1 Query 2 Idle 3

The interpretation of the data stream may be governed by hardware,software, and/or firmware in the camera controller platform 100, such asin the electronics module, and/or by application software installed on,or accessed by, the laptop computer 202 or other electronic computingdevice. Details of an embodiment of an example data link payloadarchitecture are illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown in FIG. 10Aand FIG. 10B, in an exemplary embodiment, the datalink payload may bedivided into seven distinct types of data suitable to use in an pipeinspection system. Several of these data types relate to the counting ofdistance the push cable 212 has been extended into the pipe 210 (asshown in FIG. 8) during pipe inspection. Each data type may include amessage ID of one byte, and each message type may include a one-bytechecksum after its message content.

For example, count information 246 derived from a sensor built into thepipe inspection cable storage reel may be provided in centimeters andmay be converted to feet and inches for local display purposes. Data maybe provided from an interface circuit of the cable storage reel orrelated components, such as via a system cable. Raw count information248 may include the total number of times the counting unit has beenpowered on, a stored value for a temporary intermediate zero point, anda current count. A Measurement Origin 250 message may be used toindicate whether present measuring is being done from an absolute startpoint such as when the system was powered on, or from a relativeuser-selected zero-point. In some applications the user may also be ableto set an absolute zero point, such as the entry point of a pipe, fordistance counting as well.

Odometer information 252 may provide a total count of footage extendedfrom and returned into the reel since first activation. Reel information254 may provides parametric data needed to convert reel rotation intolinear distance, including the reel type, the length of total cablecarried in the reel, and the cable type. The Raw Total Count information256 may be a computed value based on the sum of variables under the RawCount Information 248. Six bytes may be reserved for transmitting asoftware version 258 used by the counter. Additional fields and datatypes may be added depending on the application; for example, whensensors are built into the camera head to detect orientation and motion.Count information may be transferred between the various pipe inspectionsystem components including the camera controller platform, electroniccomputing device, cable reel assembly, and/or external systems.Additional data or information, such as camera orientation, signallevels, and the like may be similarly provided.

Various aspects and details of implementations of apparatus, systems,and methods for providing counting, distance measurement, and relatedapparatus and functions are described in, for example, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/766,742, filed Apr. 23, 2010, entitled PIPEINSPECTION SYSTEM CABLE COUNTER AND OVERLAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/348,517 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,704),filed Jul. 7, 1999, entitled VIDE PIPE INSPECTION DISTANCE MEASURINGSYSTEM, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/928,818, filed Oct. 30,2007, entitled PIPE MAPPING SYSTEM, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/774,462, filed Jul. 6, 2007, entitled MESH NETWORKED WIRELESS BURIEDPIPE AND CABLE LOCATING SYSTEM, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/399,858, filed Mar. 6, 2009, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITHSELECTIVE IMAGE CAPTURE. The content of each of these applications isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning to FIGS. 11A and 11B, details of an embodiment of signalprocessing of modulated data encoded with video are illustrated. Thesignal processing illustrated may be implemented in an electronicsmodule which may include one or more processing elements along withrelated analog, digital, hardware, and/or software components to performthe functionality described herein. Such data may include, for example,information related to camera orientation, signal levels, as well asother data or information, such as sensor data from accelerometer orgyro sensors or other inertial navigation or related sensors, which maybe disposed in the camera head. When coupled video and data is receivedfrom the system cable 226, such as through cable plug/connector 179, thevideo and data may be passed to a selective data band pass filter 260which blocks video signals while passing data. The output data signalmay then be amplified by an amplifier circuit 262 and conditioned by anadaptive filter 264. The data may then be detected and parsed by a dataslicer 266 and passed to a processing element, such as the ARM processor222, for further processing and output signal generation.

For transmitted data such as, for example, parametric settings, controldata, and the like, the ARM processor 222 may configure and control anoscillator 268, which may then act as a carrier frequency in sendingamplitude-shift keyed (ASK) data. ASK data is then passed through atransmit filter 270 and a transmit amplifier 272. A resonator 274 may beused to provide transmission impedance matching for data transmission tothe pipe inspection system via, for example, the system cable 226.

FIG. 12 illustrates details of another embodiment of a camera controllerplatform, in this case in the form of a mini camera controller platformembodiment 1200. Platform embodiment 1200 may include similar componentsand functionality to that described previously with respect toembodiment 100. For example, platform embodiment 1210, which may includea user interface device, such as user interface panel 1212, may bemounted to a frame 1250 with one or more fasteners, such as screws 1208.Frame 1250 may include one or more legs, such as a pair of front legs1250 a and a pair of back legs 1250 b to provide spacing betweenplatform 1210 and the ground or floor surface. Front legs 1250 a and/orback legs 1250 b may be integrally formed with frame 1250. For example,legs 1250 a may extend from the top surface of frame 1250, graduallycurving downward and symmetrically. Back legs 1250 b may be molded withframe 1250, extending downward symmetrically to form a right anglebetween legs 1250 b and the top surface of frame 1250. A non-skidmaterial 1254, such as textured rubber or other similar material may bedisposed on the bottom surface of one or more legs 1250 a and 1250 b toprevent slippage. Platform 1210 may include one or more LED indicators1227 to provide information related to parameters such as remainingbattery power (e.g., as indicated by color), power on/off status,connection of other components such as sondes, etc., or other data orinformation.

Platform embodiment 1200 may be configured to be connected to a cablereel and/or other component of a pipe inspection system (not shown inFIG. 12), such as a sonde, and/or may be directly connected to agrounded transmitter (not shown in FIG. 12), and may optionally bemounted to the reel, depending on space constraints. Details of sondeand transmitter apparatus, systems and methods are described in, forexample, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/268,641, filed Oct. 9,2002, entitled OMNIDIRECTIONAL SONDE & LINE LOCATOR, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/902,551, filed Oct. 12, 2010, as well as U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/916,886, filed Nov. 1, 2010, entitledSINGLE & MULTI-TRACE OMNIDIRECTIONAL SONDE & LINE LOCATORS ANDTRANSMITTERS USED THEREWITH. The content of each of these applicationsis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Platform embodiment 1200 may further include elements such as a capstanor ratcheting mechanism (not shown), such as the configuration describedpreviously with respect to embodiment 100, to control tightening of theelectronic computing system to the platform. In some embodimentsadditional components such as brackets or clamps to attached tools orother pipe inspection component to the tube frame. In some embodiments,the tube frame or other structural elements may include conductive feetor other conductive elements to provide an electrical connection betweenelectrical components of the system and the ground or other groundedsurface.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the platform embodiment 1200 (FIG. 12)illustrating additional details. In one aspect, frame 1250 may includeone or more cord wraps, such as a pair of cord wraps 1332, which may bedisposed on the same side of frame 1250, and one or more retainingplates, such as a pair of retaining plates 1358, which may be disposedsymmetrically, for example, one on each side of frame 1250. In oneaspect, platform 1210 may be mounted to a pair of retaining plates 1358on frame 1250, with one or more fasteners, such as screws 1208 and nuts1361.

FIG. 14 illustrates additional details of the platform embodiment 1200,shown from the underside thereof. For example, a USB cord 1427 may beelectrically connected to the platform 1200 via an interface bus port,such as USB port 1435. A pair of rubber cord clips 1476 may be disposedalong the length of USB cord 1427, and a protective dust cap 1478 may bedisposed at the end of USB cord 1427. The platform module 1200 may beelectrically connected to a pipe inspection cable reel via, for example,a system connection plug 1479, which may be connected to a system cable226.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view illustrating addition details ofthe platform embodiment 1200. For example, a battery shoe 1542 may bedisposed on the bottom surface of the platform 1210 for receiving abattery, such an 18V Li-Ion or Li-poly battery pack (not shown in FIG.15). The battery shoe 1542 and battery pack (not shown in FIG. 15) maybe constructed in a manner such as those described in U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/501,172, filed Jun. 24, 2011, and U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/521,262, filed Aug. 8, 2011. The content of eachof these applications is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Still referring to FIG. 15, a transmitter clip-on terminal 1545 may bedisposed on the underside of platform 1210 for direct connection to agrounded transmitter system (not shown in FIG. 15). For example, aconnector, such as an alligator clip disposed at the end of a cordextended from a transmitter (not shown in FIG. 15) may be attached orclipped onto the terminal 1545. Such a platform configuration which maybe used for line-tracing a pushrod (not shown in FIG. 15).

FIG. 16 illustrates details of an embodiment 1600 of a mini cameracontroller platform such as platform 1200 with a coupled electroniccomputing device, in this example in the form or a notebook or laptopcomputer 1602, where the computer's monitor may be used as a displayduring pipe inspection operations, such providing video or images from acamera head inserted into the pipe or other cavity.

FIG. 17 illustrates details of an embodiment 1700 of a camera controllerplatform which may correspond with the camera control platformsdescribed previously herein. As shown in FIG. 17, platform 1700 mayinclude a system cable connector or plug 1720, which may correspond withconnector 179 as described previously herein. System cable connector1720 may be used to provide a connection point to a system cable forinterconnecting the platform 1700 with other components of a pipeinspection system, such as a cable drum and/or related components (notshown in FIG. 17). An electronics module 1710 (enclosed within the caseshown in FIG. 17), which may correspond with the electronics modulesdescribed previously herein, may be incorporated on or within a case ofthe platform to provide the signal processing and other relatedfunctions as described herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates details of a pipe inspection system embodiment 1800including platform embodiment 1700 as shown in FIG. 17, along with acable reel assembly 1830 that may be coupled to the platform 1700 usinga system cable 1825 as shown, which may be connected to the platform atsystem cable connector 1720.

In some embodiments of camera controller platforms, wireless connectionsbetween the platform and other pipe inspection system components such asthe cable reel drum assembly, sondes or associated transmitters, orother components may be used. These connections may be implemented inplace of, or in addition to USB or other wired bus connections. Forexample, in some embodiments, the USB connection may be replaced with aWI-FI or Bluetooth wireless connection, or other wireless connectionsuch as wireless HDMI, etc., which may be implemented with wirelesscommunication circuits or modules included in or coupled to theelectronics module of the camera controller platform. Correspondingwireless circuits or modules may be incorporated in the cable drumassembly, such as in associated electronics components.

In some embodiments, video compression and/or decompression may beimplemented to reduce the required bandwidth between variouscommunications connections as described previously. For example, videoand/or images may be compressed between the cable drum reel assembly andthe camera controller platform electronics module and/or between thecamera controller platform electronics module and the electroniccomputing device (e.g., a notebook, laptop, tablet, smart phone, orother computer or other display or computing device), and/or betweenother systems. Video may be compressed by techniques known or developedin the art such as, for example, H.264, mJPEG, FLASH, waveletcompression, and the like prior to transmitting to the separateelectronic computing or display device. Such a wireless mode ofcommunication may be advantageous in that the electronic computingdevice/display need not be physically attached to the cable reel drum orother pipe inspection system component.

In some embodiments, all or some of the camera controller platformcomponents, such as, for example, are shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, may beintegrated onto or within the cable reel frame or inside the reel. Inthis configuration, these components would rotate with the reel. In sucha configuration, an associated battery may be mounted onto the rotatingreel and/or connected electrically using slip rings and mounted on anon-rotating section of the reel/drum assembly.

In some embodiments, a camera controller platform may further include awireless network base station or hub, such as a WI-FI hub, router, orhot spot to serve a live video feed for viewing in a browser on theelectronic computing device or another device within the wirelesscoverage area. The wireless network base station or hub may be includedin or coupled to the electronics module of the camera controllerplatform and/or may be included on another system component, such as thecable drum assembly. The electronic computing device may, for example,host an HTML5 application to provide enhanced features and devicecontrols. Any WI-FI enabled device may then connect to the pipeinspection system and the live video would be streamed in a browser. Inother embodiments, device-specific software application may be used.Additional network-related functions may include, for, example,providing a bridge function, such as via a cellular data connection orother communications link to the “Cloud” to allow a user to uploadimages (snapshots), video, audio, or other data or information to acentral server system or other networked system. Network printingfunctionality may be included to allow the camera control unit toincorporate a printer and/or connect to a network-enabled printer toprovide data or information, e.g., measurement parameters, snapshotimages, or other information or data as described herein to a networkenabled printer. An “auto log” function may be included to locally storedata and information and automatically sync to network storage when theuser (e.g., a plumber) returns to an office.

In some embodiments, a camera controller platform may further include amodule to provide one-to-many streaming data, such as a streaming routeror other streaming-capable device. In this configuration, data, such asvideo signals, images, audio, or other data or information may be sentto multiple users at the same time. For example, during a home pipeinspection operation, a homeowner may be able to simultaneously viewvideo from within their home or yard while a pipe is being inspected, orinformation may be provided to multiple users during training ordemonstrations. Restrictions on the types of information accessible maybe included in such as configuration, such as by providing fullinformation to an administrator or primary user, and limited informationto guest users or others.

In video display applications it may be desirable to configure thesystem to minimize video latency with no buffering. For example, thesystem may be configured to drop frames rather than buffer data toprovide an impression of fast responsiveness to a user. Graphicalfeedback of motion may be provided when dropping video frames. Forexample, a fake motion blur, a moving arrow, increasing the count, orother mechanisms may be used to provide feedback to an operator tocreate an impression of responsiveness.

In some embodiments where a wireless hub or hot-spot (such as, forexample, a WI-FI hotspot) is included in a camera controller platform,additional functionality, such as hardware and/or software to implementa configuration menu to create customer SSID's may be included. Forexample, each camera controller platform may be configured to allow auser to create his or her own SSID (e.g., “Joe Plumber's Camera,” etc.).

In some embodiments, the electronic computing device (e.g., notebook orlaptop computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.) may be configured to provideadditional functionality, such as controlling status and feedback forsondes, lights (e.g., lighting deployed within pipes or other cavities,transmitters, actuators, gas or liquid sensors, additional microphonesor other audio or ultrasonic capture devices, and the like. Informationsuch as battery status, memory or storage device (e.g., USB thumb drive,compact flash, SD, or other data storage device) capacity or remainingstorage space, component failures or status information, or otherparameters may likewise be shared between the electronic computingdevice and the camera controller platform/electronics module(s).

Clearly, other embodiments and modifications of this disclosure mayoccur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theseteachings. Therefore, the protection afforded this disclosure is to belimited only by the following claims, which include all such embodimentsand modifications when viewed in conjunction with the abovespecification and accompanying drawing.

In some configurations, the apparatus, circuit, modules, or systemsdescribed herein may include means for implementing features orproviding functions described herein. In one aspect, the aforementionedmeans may be a module including a processor or processors, associatedmemory and/or other electronics in which embodiments of the disclosurereside, such as to implement signal processing, switching, transmission,reception, or other functions to process video or data signal inputs,and/or to provide other electronic functions described herein. These maybe, for example, modules or apparatus residing in pipe inspectionsystems, camera controller platforms, electronics modules, userinterface modules, display devices, electronic computing devices,coupling apparatus, and/or other related equipment or devices.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic functions, methodsand processes described herein and associated with pipe inspectionsystems, camera controller units, electronics modules, electroniccomputing devices, display devices, coupling apparatus, and pipeinspection system components such as cable reels and related electronicsmay be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on orencoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readablemedium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storagemedia may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. Byway of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media cancomprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in theform of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by acomputer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk andblu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, whilediscs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, computer program products comprising computer-readablemedia including all forms of computer-readable medium except, to theextent that such media is deemed to be non-statutory, transitorypropagating signals.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or stagesin the processes and methods disclosed herein are examples of exemplaryapproaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that thespecific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearrangedwhile remaining within the scope of the present disclosure unless notedotherwise.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals,such as video and/or audio signals or data, control signals, or othersignals or data may be represented using any of a variety of differenttechnologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands,information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referencedthroughout the above description may be represented by voltages,currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, opticalfields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, electro-mechanical components,or combinations thereof. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein and, for example, ina processing element as described herein may be implemented or performedwith a general purpose processor or processors, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the processing functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor,but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. A processing element may furthering include or be coupledto one or more memory elements for storing instructions, data, and/orother information in a digital storage format.

The various illustrative functions and circuits described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein with respect to camera andlighting elements may be implemented or performed with a general purposeprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor maybe a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be anyconventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

The steps or stages of a method, process or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, orin a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage mediumknown or developed in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled tothe processor such the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Inthe alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside asdiscrete components in a user terminal.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein,but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the disclosureherein, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather“one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some”refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list ofitems refers to any combination of those items, including singlemembers. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended tocover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use embodiment of the presentinvention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spiritor scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intendedto be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the following claims and their equivalents.

The disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shownherein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with thespecification and drawings, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to“at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of thoseitems, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b,or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, band c.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure.Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited tothe aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the following claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A camera controller platform, comprising: a base assemblyto mechanically couple to a pipe inspection system, the pipe inspectionsystem including a cable reel drum assembly and a camera head, whereinthe base assembly comprises at least two substantially flat platformshaving corresponding panels extending angularly downward from outeredges of the substantially flat platforms; one or more electronicelements integrated into one or more of the substantially flat platformsor corresponding panels, the electronic elements including a userinterface panel, disposed on or in one of the panels of the baseassembly, to provide control input signals to the camera head; a capstanassembly including a flexible tensioning element to mechanically couplean electronic computing device to the top of the base assembly above theuser interface panel; at least two wings coupled to the substantiallyflat platforms such that the wings are retractable from thesubstantially flat platforms to an extended position abutting againstone another to cooperatively form, in conjunction with the substantiallyflat platforms, an extended working surface on the base assembly, thewings are further rotatable outwardly from a top center area of the baseassembly; and an electronics module coupled to the one or moreelectronic elements including the user interface panel, the electronicsmodule including one or more processing elements including instructionsto cause a processor to: receive the control input signals from the userinterface panel and provide control data to the pipe inspection system;and receive one or more pipe inspection output signals from the pipeinspection system and provide data corresponding to the pipe inspectionoutput signals to the coupled electronic computing device.
 2. Theplatform of claim 1, wherein one or more of the wings are folding wings.3. The platform of claim 1, wherein one or more of the wings areretractable into the base assembly.
 4. The platform of claim 1, furtherincluding a Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub coupled to the electronicsmodule.
 5. The platform of claim 1, further including a connectorcoupled to the electronics module for receiving signals from a systemcable connected to the from pipe inspection system.
 6. The platform ofclaim 1, further including a wireless communication module coupled tothe electronics module for receiving wirelessly communicated signalsfrom the pipe inspection system.
 7. The platform of claim 1, furtherincluding a hub or router configured to wirelessly provide informationfrom the pipe inspection system.
 8. The platform of claim 7, wherein theinformation provided from the hub or router includes images or videosignals.
 9. The platform of claim 1, further including a capstanassembly and a tensioning element configured to secure an electroniccomputing device to the platform.
 10. The platform of claim 9, whereinthe capstan assembly is configured to limit the torque applied to theelectronic computing device when secured to the platform.
 11. Theplatform of claim 10, wherein the capstan assembly includes tooth andspring elements to limit the applied torque.
 12. The platform of claim1, wherein the pipe inspection output signals are video signals and thevideo signals are converted to digital signals in accordance with aninterface bus standard.
 13. The platform of claim 12, wherein theinterface bus is a Universal Serial Bus (USB).
 14. The platform of claim1, further including a microphone, wherein the electronics module isfurther configured to receive an audio signal from the microphone andassociate the audio signal with the digital signals.
 15. The platform ofclaim 1, wherein the output signals from the pipe inspection system arevideo signals and the video signals are compressed before being providedto the electronic computing system.
 16. A pipe inspection system,comprising: a cable reel drum assembly; a push-cable coupled to thecable-reel drum assembly; a camera head coupled to a distal end of thepush-cable; an interface circuit configured to electronically couple thecamera head to a first end of a system cable; and a camera controllerplatform including: a base assembly to mechanically couple to to thecable reel drum assembly, the base assembly comprising at least twosubstantially flat platforms having corresponding panels extendingangularly downward from outer edges of the substantially flat platforms;a plurality of electronic elements integrated into one or more of thesubstantially flat platforms or corresponding panels, the electronicelements including a user interface panel, disposed on or in one of thepanels of the base assembly, to provide control input signals to thecamera head, and a wireless communication module; an electroniccomputing device including a display screen, wirelessly coupled to thebase assembly through the wireless communication module; one or morerotating wings coupled to the base assembly to rotate outward from thetop center area of the base assembly; and an electronics module coupledto the electronic elements, the electronics module including one or moreprocessing elements configured to: receive the control input signalsfrom the user interface panel and provide control data to the pipeinspection system; and receive one or more pipe inspection outputsignals from the pipe inspection system and provide data correspondingto the pipe inspection output signals to the wirelessly coupledelectronic computing device; and a system connector coupled to theelectronics module and to a second end of the system cable.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the platform is incorporated at least inpart into the cable reel drum assembly.
 18. A camera controller platformwith integrated camera control unit (CCU) elements, for mechanicallycoupling to a pipe inspection system including a cable reel drumassembly and a camera head, the camera controller platform comprising: abase assembly to mechanically couple to the cable reel drum assembly,the base assembly comprising at least two substantially flat platformshaving corresponding panels extending from outer edges of thesubstantially flat platforms; at least two wings coupled to thesubstantially flat platforms such that the wings are retractable fromthe substantially flat platforms to an extended position abuttingagainst one another to cooperatively form, in conjunction with thesubstantially flat platforms, a substantially continuous and extendedworking surface on the base assembly, the wings are further rotatableoutwardly from a top center area of the base assembly; an electroniccomputing device including a display screen, mechanically or wirelesslycoupled to the base assembly; and a plurality of integrated cameracontrol unit elements disposed in or on one or more of the substantiallyflat platforms or corresponding panels of the base assembly, theintegrated camera control unit elements including: a user interfacepanel, disposed on one of the panels of the base assembly, to providecontrol input signals for controlling operation of the camera head; andan electronics module coupled to the user interface panel, theelectronics module including one or more processing elements to: receivethe control input signals from the user interface panel and provide thereceived control input signals to the camera head; and receive one ormore camera output signals from the camera head, and provide datacorresponding to the camera output signals for display onto the displayscreen of the coupled electronic computing device.